The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: drbassman on March 08, 2009, 08:06:00 PM
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OK, thanks to Chris P for his help with the template, I've started my project. I had to use 3 pieces of maple due to the width of this thing, so I cut to size and glued them up. Here's stage one............
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2310.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2311.jpg)
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You're ambitious!
Does a 4005 have a center block?
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Does now! ;D Not that I know but I'm taking a lot of license with this one. Doing it my way. 8)
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Nice! I'm very curious how it'll work out! I hope you don't have troubles with centimeters and inches in a Stonehenge stage-prop kinda way:) In that case you'll end up with a mandobacker.
Nope, a 4005 doesn't have a centerblok. It has a kind of an H-profile, like the JCS bass. There are pics on the net of the insides of 330s and 360s and that's the same.
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very cool, dr b! keep the pics comin'
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Will do!
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great project. good luck.
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very cool ! what kind of pickups are you going to use ? Were are you going to place them ?
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very cool ! what kind of pickups are you going to use ? Were are you going to place them ?
I'm gonna use TV Jones Dyna'Trons, a new reissue style of a top-mount Dearmond type pup. They are a new offering from him............
http://www.tvjones.com/pickups/thundertron.htm
I'll place them similarly to the original 4005's.
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I like this shot from the web site
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/shadowcastaz/factory_binding2.jpg)
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Cool! In looks they'll come close to the originals and I bet they sound great!
I tried a Gretsch White Falcon Bass wit TV Joneses and that bass sounds awesome! A very big and wide sound!
@ Shadowcastaz: Thanks! I was looking for that pic. That's the H-frame I meant....
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From what I see they are making things by hand. check out the rickenbacker site at click factory. Nice stuff.
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From what I see they are making things by hand. check out the rickenbacker site at click factory. Nice stuff.
If you're referring to Rickenbacker, they're as highly mechanized as most other factories. Lots of CNC there. There's still plenty of human touch involved, and they probably spend more labor hours than average on finishing.
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Basically thats what I meant. Only those of us here would do it all by hand. The acoustics caught my eye too.
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Very cool! Are you going to leave the center block solid it's entire length or will will you hog some out between the pickups to allow for some airflow? Just curious? ;)
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Very cool! Are you going to leave the center block solid it's entire length or will will you hog some out between the pickups to allow for some airflow? Just curious? ;)
I'm thinking about routing out some of the area where the pups won't be located. Primarily for weight reduction. The back will be 1/4" mahogany and the top about 1/2" maple to allow for the tail piece ramp routing. It's a lot of maple, so I want to it be reasonably light weight.
I glued the neck piece up today. Two beautiful pieces of birdseye maple with a 1/4" mahogany strip down the middle. Also a couple 1/4" mahogany stripes in the headstock.
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Ahh, didn't think about the weight issue, makes sense.
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Ahh, didn't think about the weight issue, makes sense.
Actually, I was thinking about it and I realized that if I use the TV Jones top mount DeArmond RI pups, I won't have routs for them so I can hollow out a good sized portion of the center block. So I'll probably go that route.
Here's the neck so far. I still have two more maple strips to add to each side of the headstock and I'm building the heel separately for attachment later on.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2313.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2312.jpg)
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I planed the body frame and neck parts today. Looking good!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2314.jpg)
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I am liking this a lot.
A few years ago on ebay there was a guy who took a broken Rick bass and a broken 330 and made a bass out of it. I like the 330 body a bit more than the more rounded ones, and that thing looked pretty cool.
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I am liking this a lot.
A few years ago on ebay there was a guy who took a broken Rick bass and a broken 330 and made a bass out of it. I like the 330 body a bit more than the more rounded ones, and that thing looked pretty cool.
A 330 style one might be on my list after this one is finished................
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OK, 2 questions. What do you guys think of a 2" wide mahogany stripe running down the middle of the body, sort of mimicking the stripe in the neck? I was also thinking about using the Ric guitar gumby style headstock instead of the usual 4003 wave style. What do ya think?
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I don't know about the stripe, but the headstock sounds like a nice idea to me!
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Here's an idea of the headstock shape I'm talking about..............
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/BOhCs0gB2kKGrHgoH-C4EjlLlzVVHBJvHoW.jpg)
And the stripe..................
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2319.jpg)
And not.............
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2321.jpg)
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I think this guitar style headstock fits the design better than the waved one on my 4005. I stil don't know about the stripe. But you want to give the bass a uniqye touch, so if you like it, do it!
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I like the headstock idea, not the body stripe, unless you were doing it for tonal reasons.
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Yeah, I like the guitar headstock better. I'm still thinking about the stripe! Can't decide.
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I like the headstock idea, not the body stripe, unless you were doing it for tonal reasons.
Nope, no tonal reasons, just trying some different looks. Although, I do think the 1/4" mahogany back will soften things up a bit.
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I like the guitar head better . Im not sure on the stripe. I agree on the maho back. Real nice project. your really steppin it up Doc! :mrgreen:
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Yeah, I'm still thinking about the mahogany stripe. Part of me likes the idea. just can't decide!
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Stripe !
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Stripe !
I guess that sums up your feelings Scott! I keep going back and forth with it. We'll see what happens over the next few days. I'm planing the maple right now, then the stripe.
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My thoughts - Stripe is kind of weird to me. It is not out of place on a Rick, but to me it goes with the 4000 basses as almost a proof of neck-through construction. On a semi-hollow body, it is a decorative thing, but I tend to think of those awful 70s butcher block kit Strats. A bit wide piece of wood is a bit cooler, but I think I would prefer a nice looking piece of wood.
I can go either way on the headstock. I tend to think of the regular bass headstock as pretty elegant to begin with (with the exception of the mercifully discontinued 4001c64). But the guitar headstock is equally refined, and would look just fine on a bass.
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I know these aesthetic things can be challenging. Either way, I have to drop back a bit because I discovered a significant crack in a piece the maple top. Naturally it's the larger piece and I don't have anything else I can use. So, it's back to the wood shop for more top wood! It's always something.
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Bill whatever your choice It'll look great !
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Thanks Scott, very kind of you to say. The mahogany I bought is due in tomorrow and after looking at it, I might put it on the top. It's pretty nice stuff. Then maybe just some maple or spruce on the back. I'm not too definite on this just yet! :P
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Just a thought spruce might be a little soft for the back, unless of course you are going to put a big pad on the back :o
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I hear ya on the spruce Scott, but I got my ribbon mahog today and I want to put it on the top! It's really nice and I hate the idea of hiding it on the back!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2336.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2337.jpg)
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Maho sounds nice for the top !
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Yep, I'm liking the idea. I might go mahog on the back too. We'll see. I've got lots of time to decide!
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Yep, I'm liking the idea. I might go mahog on the back too. We'll see. I've got lots of time to decide!
that's a very good idea, doc!
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That maho would look awesome on the top!!!Go for it Doc. Where did u get the mayo,BTW?
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That maho would look awesome on the top!!!Go for it Doc. Where did u get the mayo,BTW?
From eBay. I also got some nice spruce I might stain and use on the back.
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Got the back on and the neck glued up. So far so good!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2341.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2342.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2344.jpg)
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Amazing what you do in that basement shop of yours !
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You too Scott!
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Where is the love !!???
another great project from the master..... :mrgreen:
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You've got some nice tight straight grain there.
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You've got some nice tight straight grain there.
Not bad for $8, huh?
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Where is the love !!???
another great project from the master..... :mrgreen:
You too Mr. Shadow!! ;D
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Shaped the headstock, routed the truss rod (not my best work, but I'll get better with practice), and cut my f-hole template. Also decided to use a Gretsch bridge with a rosewood base. I'm thinking I might countersink the base into the top for stability. :)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2349.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2348.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2352.jpg)
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Is the base under the gretsch bridge mounted inside the bass? I thought those are for hollow body use .
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Is the base under the gretsch bridge mounted inside the bass? I thought those are for hollow body use .
Yes, it's made for hollow bodies, but why not use it on a semi hollow or solid body? It's a great bridge none the less. the base will let me adjust the height depending on my neck angle and height.
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Eight bucks? Why so much? :P
That's a really nice piece at any price.
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Amazing what you do in that basement shop of yours !
Yep. I check the pix and marvel. Not only that, the shop is mostly CLEAN. Mine has never looked that good.
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Eight bucks? Why so much? :P
That's a really nice piece at any price.
The seller was new to eBay and I think I was his first buyer. Good deal for sure. Really nice wood for the money.
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I might be the minority here but in my opinion the normal 4005 headstock looks better on that kind of bass.
(http://www.gbase.com/files/store_images/Gear/2036573/p1_ubhslwdp0_so.jpg)
But that's just me.
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Yep. I check the pix and marvel. Not only that, the shop is mostly CLEAN. Mine has never looked that good.
Well, I usually vacuum up after each really messy job, but not always!!! :P
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I might be the minority here but in my opinion the normal 4005 headstock looks better on that kind of bass.
But that's just me.
No problem, you're entitled to think that. I've always liked the "gumby" style headstock myself. ;D
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Well, I usually vacuum up after each really messy job, but not always!!! :P
Yeah I know about that, when I was building my Les Paul somebody accused me of just posing with somebody's project and that it couldn't have been a real workshop because of the lack of random stuff lying around, they deemed the workshop to be "too clean." Fact is that our workshop at Knooren handcrafted usually is extremely messy but when there's serious business to be done, my boss usually has me and my colleague clean every single square inch. And that was the case in that particular month.
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Yeah I know about that, when I was building my Les Paul somebody accused me of just posing with somebody's project and that it couldn't have been a real workshop because of the lack of random stuff lying around, they deemed the workshop to be "too clean." Fact is that our workshop at Knooren handcrafted usually is extremely messy but when there's serious business to be done, my boss usually has me and my colleague clean every single square inch. And that was the case in that particular month.
Cleanliness is next to Godliness, you know! :)
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Hey, I have a question. Since I'm making this my own anyway, do you think 2 f-holes would be nice looking on this bass rather than the usual one? It would mean no pick guard, but I could live with that.
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I like the idea. Id even not line them up.in other words not a mirror image even though the sides are not reflective of each other. But that is just me . I like the cat eye F holes. I have always felt PG's cover up too much wood.M
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You could always experiment with it in Photoshop to see if you like the looks of 2 f holes, and mess with their position on the body.
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I like it if you really make it an own design, like changing the headstock a bit and maybe the two holes. +1 on the photoshop thing. Or just cut out two hole-formed black pieces of paper and try them on the body.
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OK, how's this?
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2354.jpg)
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Works for me . Sho-da-maho!! :mrgreen:
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Yep, I like it! Maybe a bit more distance between the controls?
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Looks good with the 2 holes. +1 on adjusting the knob layout tho.
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Yep, I think this is the route to go. I'll adjust the knobs, I just threw them on there in a hurry this morning before work!
Hey, I ordered the pups yesterday too!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/thunderdyna_med_Chrome.jpg)
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Looks great! Another vote for spreading out the knobs, though.
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What kinda pups are those?
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A new top mount model of ThunderTron by TV Jones. It's a Dearmond clone he calls a DynaTron. Cool, huh? Only $115.
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Dr B, how about putting the controls in a line following the edge of the lower bout?
like this
http://www.soulshine.com.br/index.asp?secao=3&categoria=22&subcategoria=0&id=547
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I like the dual f-holes. The knob layout is fine. Don't want to get too far away from your inspiration.
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A new top mount model of ThunderTron by TV Jones. It's a Dearmond clone he calls a DynaTron. Cool, huh? Only $115.
Yeah Baby!.......OOPS!
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I like the dual f-holes. The knob layout is fine. Don't want to get too far away from your inspiration.
That's interesting, I didn't think of that. I'll play around with it.........
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I guess I'm the odd man out because I'm not liking the second hole. It looks too busy to me (but I am a conservative sort of guy).
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I guess I'm the odd man out because I'm not liking the second hole. It looks too busy to me (but I am a conservative sort of guy).
I hear ya. I'm going to make a paper pick guard and I suspect that will not look so good when I consider the amount of nice wood it will cover. Then, the second hole works for me.
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2 holes are always better than one !!! :mrgreen: :toast:
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That's for sure!!! ;D
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2 holes are always better than one !!! :mrgreen: :toast:
Yeah, but around here you can never be too sure which two holes people are referring to!
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Yeah, but around here you can never be too sure which two holes people are referring to!
Ughhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!
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I'm with George I like the one F hole.
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I'm with George I like the one F hole.
I'm still liking two. If I go with one, I'll have to either use a pickguard or rout an access cover in the back and I'm definitely not going there. I love the unrouted look of the back.
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This makes more sense. I'm also going with shark fin fret board inlays, so this should fit in just fine..
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2360.jpg)
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That headstock will work just fine.
And if you aren't planning on a pickguard, you definitely ought to go with two f-holes.
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That headstock will work just fine.
And if you aren't planning on a pickguard, you definitely ought to go with two f-holes.
Yeah, I'm liking the no-pickguard idea a lot. Two holes make more sense in that case.
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+ 1 on that!
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Got my inlays today. They were too wide and I don't care for the slope on the top of the inlay. So, I cut them down and straightened the top line out. I've installed one already. Pics tomorrow.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/9d8e_1.jpg)
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Inlays are in, next I'll do some filling around the edges where needed.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2365.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2364.jpg)
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Nice call on changing the shape of those inlays. Too much like a boat sail.M
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Nice call on changing the shape of those inlays. Too much like a boat sail.M
Me too! I'll finish the binding and radius the board today!
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Fret board all finished! Cutting the f-holes tomorrow.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2366_00.jpg)
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TA DA!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2368.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2371.jpg)
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Me Likey!!!! :mrgreen:
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Me Likey!!!! :mrgreen:
Yeah, I think 2 holes are just fine!
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Yep, cool! Very cool!
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Nice clean routing there. A sigh of relief is always in order when there's no tearout on thin stock.
It will look fine without the pickguard.
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Nice clean routing there. A sigh of relief is always in order when there's no tearout on thin stock.
It will look fine without the pickguard.
Yeah, I was a little worried about routing the 3/16" top, but it came out just fine. No pickguard: one less accessory to make!
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Nice clean routing there. A sigh of relief is always in order when there's no tearout on thin stock.
It will look fine without the pickguard.
AMEN!!
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Oh yeah!!!!
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Impeccable, old bean. Simply impeccable! ;)
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I'm routing the neck pocket this morning, I'll post some pics later. Also gonna put the binding on.
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Neck pocket finished. Even though the pocket is over 2" wide, my palm router never lost its edge by keeping it diagonal to the rout.
I didn't make a template for the pocket as I tend to make each neck individually and not exactly the same. My pocket is too large by the width of a pencil line! Didn't account for that! So, I'll tighten it up with a thin piece of veneer.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2372.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2376.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2375.jpg)
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Got the TV Jones DynaTrons yesterday. Very cool humbuckers! One note. They are not true "top mount" as the bottom of the magnet hangs below the chrome base and will require an approximate 1/2" deep rout underneath. Not a big deal, but I thought it meant no routing when it said top mount. I can handle it!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2377.jpg)
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Drooooooooooooooooooooooool.
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Drooooooooooooooooooooooool.
They are cool, aren't they?!?
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More routing in that top... careful!
Use the veneer but don't sweat it. IMHO solid contact at the bottom of the pocket is most important.
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They are cool, aren't they?!?
The whole build is f'ng cool !
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I am genuinely in awe of the talent among the guys in this forum. We all know that not even 'Custom Shop' builds are perfect (what hand made article ever is), but you guys take this to a level I've never seen among people who don't do this full time. I envy you (in a good way) and wouldn't think twice about buying a bass created by your hands.
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R. E. S. P. E. C. T.
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I am genuinely in awe of the talent among the guys in this forum. We all know that not even 'Custom Shop' builds are perfect (what hand made article ever is), but you guys take this to a level I've never seen among people who don't do this full time. I envy you (in a good way) and wouldn't think twice about buying a bass created by your hands.
Wow, thanks George. I'm just learning every step of the way and love to share my experience. Just can't stop being a teacher! I really appreciate you compliments. When I retire, I hope to build a few for other folks.
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R. E. S. P. E. C. T.
Thanks!
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Pickup holes routed and neck fitted. Have to cut the top to fit around the base of the neck. Template time!
I've pretty much decided that I really like the simplicity of this thing and I'm going with just 2 vol controls, no tone.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2378.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2383.jpg)
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AHHHHH! I see!!! neck is under mahog top. Pup sits on end of neck a'la PRS. I like it even more. You could even do a 3 way toggle and one vol. real minimalist!! The more wood the better :mrgreen:.
A question Doc. What does no tone pot do to sound? More lows ,more highs? Kinda feel I should know this but I dont.-
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Great!!!!
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AHHHHH! I see!!! neck is under mahog top. Pup sits on end of neck a'la PRS. I like it even more. You could even do a 3 way toggle and one vol. real minimalist!! The more wood the better :mrgreen:.
A question Doc. What does no tone pot do to sound? More lows ,more highs? Kinda feel I should know this but I dont.-
Well, over the last year I've come to terms with tone controls: I never use them, period. So, why go through all the hassle and extra minimal expense for something I don't use. I just did 2 vols and a switch on my 2003 TB and it sounds great. So, I figure, the heck with 'em!
I'm not sure if there's any difference, but the couple builds I've done without them, the basses sound nice and full to me. Maybe slightly enhanced lows? Not sure. Maybe Dave will weigh in with some wisdom here.
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I'm not sure if there's any difference, but the couple builds I've done without them, the basses sound nice and full to me. Maybe slightly enhanced lows? Not sure. Maybe Dave will weigh in with some wisdom here.
I bypassed tone controls on one of my 4001's and it has noticable more highs.
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No capacitor shunting highs to ground should give you more highs and a little more clarity.
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No capacitor shunting highs to ground should give you more highs and a little more clarity.
I can live with that. Being these are TV Jones humbuckers, there should be plenty of lows.
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My Gibson RDA, my Hohner Jack and my PC'Bird all had the tone controls stripped years ago, and I have always felt that the "cleaner the signal , the better the tone..." works for me... simple electronics... but as a "butcher's boy", re radical mods, don't take it as read...
There is a simple rule when playing live... you are not going to hear what the audience hears, and you have to rely (if in a larger set-up) on others to "set your levels" - play a bit, but if you keep it simple it works better...
Only an audophile would disagree with me, but most of us will listem to our music as MP3's on an Ipod in the truck/bus/van/car whilst speeding down a Motorway/Highway/Autobahn...
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I agree, no tone pots will be just fine!
Made a template of the neck pocket, then cut that into the top with a scroll saw. Perfect fit!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2385.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2386.jpg)
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Your work is always amazing Doc! Looking forward to seeing this one finished.
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nice build, doc!
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Thanks guys, I've got work for the next 4 nights, so I won't be doing much until the weekend!
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Body and neck binding are on. Now for some serious scraping! I've decided to do a 4005 like set up. Binding on the back and rounded contours on the top edge. Should look pretty cool!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2397.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2399.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2394.jpg)
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Looking great!'
Is that a dent I see in the spruce?! :o Oy! the pain!
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Everytime I see new pics I'm even more impressed!
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Lovely work - I just come back to watch.
That does look like a dent, but nothing a little water or steam won't raise up to fill.
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Yep, I was moving my router and the cord got stuck on something and jerked it out of my hand. A little steam later and we'll be good to go.
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That's called character. Play it three times...
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I wouldn't even worry about it or bother to steam it.
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I wouldn't even worry about it or bother to steam it.
I can't help myself! :P
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I can't help myself! :P
I've read about Navajo rug weavers leaving an imperfection on purpose for spiritual reasons. You can always use that as an excuse. Not that you really need to justify it to yourself. 8)
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About six months back we bought a table for the sun-lounge/dining room, which is where my wife does her most of her crafting/card-making, and occasionally, some book-keeping work... an accident dented the surface...
My buddy just said that it, "Just adds to the history of the table..."
Kinda liked that... ;)
Pristine is for the showroom...
There are some people that deliberately "distress" things, just to make them look "well used..."
Got a favourite old pair of shoes, or a shirt, or something, Doc...? why keep em...?
What's the punchline, Dave...? "Thank goodness I didn't mention the fork..." ;D
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Lucky we didn't say anything about the dirty knife. ;D
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Damn my memory... ;)
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The more I worked on my Blueshawk the more dents & scratches I put in it. I'm such a clumsy oaf.
I have real respect for those who turn out perfect instruments.
Nice work, your becoming a guitar making master!
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Well, I've yet to build or rehab a bass and have the result perfect or pristine! If that were my measuring stick, I'd have given up a long time ago!!!! 8) One of the reasons I like to rehab old basses is I get to leave dents and dings as well as finihsing imperfections without feeling bad about it! When I finish the Guild M-85, that will not be perfect for sure, it's a 35 year old body, I want the finished bass to look that way.
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The more I worked on my Blueshawk the more dents & scratches I put in it. I'm such a clumsy oaf.
I have real respect for those who turn out perfect instruments.
Nice work, your becoming a guitar making master!
Wow, thanks for the compliment. I am learning something new every step of the way. This is my first total build from scratch. I plan on a lot more on down the road. Ditto the clumsy comment, that's me too! I've bumped and scratched this body and neck 20 times already!
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One night I was in my room playing my basses and the power went out. It was pitch black. I got up and tripped over a guitar stand and knock my EB-0 bass off its stand and it took a large chip out of the headstock, I still can't find.
It's like getting your first door ding on a your new car. Your heart just sinks. You spend so much time getting a flat mirror finish then bam!
No more worrying about door dings after that. Park anywhere, dont worry about scratching your bass.
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One night I was in my room playing my basses and the power went out. It was pitch black. I got up and tripped over a guitar stand and knock my EB-0 bass off its stand and it took a large chip out of the headstock, I still can't find.
It's like getting your first door ding on a your new car. Your heart just sinks. You spend so much time getting a flat mirror finish then bam!
No more worrying about door dings after that. Park anywhere, dont worry about scratching your bass.
Yes, life's like that. A little damage makes us relax and not worry about the next ding.
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Doc, you and Barkless set the bar pretty hi when it comes to one off builds . I inspired me to do 2 so far. I too have an guild X 50 body Im making a neck for . Not sure if I want to do short or long scale.
This Ricky project is 'da bomb!
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Doc, you and Barkless set the bar pretty hi when it comes to one off builds . I inspired me to do 2 so far. I too have an guild X 50 body Im making a neck for . Not sure if I want to do short or long scale.
This Ricky project is 'da bomb!
Thanks Shadow. I was always a little hesitant to build a neck, but it's really not all that difficult. In fact, I rather enjoyed it. I got exactly what I wanted with just a little effort.
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My first ever bound f-hole. What an experience, but it finished well. The next one should be easier!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2413.jpg)
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I know this thread is filled with posts reading; great work! But it has to be said again. Wow... GREAT WORK!
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I know this thread is filled with posts reading; great work! But it has to be said again. Wow... GREAT WORK!
Hey thanks George. No need to stroke me, I just like to keep folks updated on my progress. I'm learning a lot from this one!!!
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My first ever bound f-hole. What an experience, but it finished well. The next one should be easier!
F holes were horrible! Also I had some cracking around them during the clear coats of coarse.
Roughed in
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/ripper%20project/top.jpg)
Cleaned up with small files
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/ripper%20project/P1030318.jpg)
There are not identical either
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A good job, both of you!
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F holes were horrible! Also I had some cracking around them during the clear coats of coarse.
Roughed in
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/ripper%20project/top.jpg)
Cleaned up with small files
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/ripper%20project/P1030318.jpg)
There are not identical either
That looks great John !
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I love that design!!! I'm thinking about one for me too sometime down the road!
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The frets are in and leveled. I'll do final leveling later tonight or tomorrow. The tuners are on the way and I'll drill for those as soon as they arrive.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2431.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2433.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2435.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2436.jpg)
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Very nice work Doc!
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Thanks! I'll shape the back of the neck next and I'm also doing some carving on the top.
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These "In Progress" shots are amazing! Verry Coool
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The frets look a little on the small size? I've always liked the small vintage frets myself but can play on most anything.
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Great pictures & amazing work. Building a neck is where you leave the little guys behind.
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These "In Progress" shots are amazing! Verry Coool
Thanks, it's a learning experience and sharing is in my veins.
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The frets look a little on the small size? I've always liked the small vintage frets myself but can play on most anything.
Yep, they are Stew-Mac mediums (148's I think). I prefer a medium fret for playing and building. I used to use the large frets but they are a pain to bend and work with and I never liked them any better for playing purposes.
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Great pictures & amazing work. Building a neck is where you leave the little guys behind.
Well, I've finished a few rough necks by adding the fret board and frets, so making one from scratch was the next step for me. Frankly, it's much easier than you'd imagine.
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Great pictures & amazing work. Building a neck is where you leave the little guys behind.
I was thinking the same thing. John is obviously less lazy than me ;D
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The hardest part of building the neck is cutting the headstock angle correctly and determining the need for any neck angle at the heel. The rest is pretty simple woodworking.
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Yeah thats all! pretty simple :rolleyes: :mrgreen: Great pics and project! Again I bow to the grand poomah!
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Yeah thats all! pretty simple :rolleyes: :mrgreen: Great pics and project! Again I bow to the grand poomah!
Ah come on, you could do and so could a lot of folks here. I find the biggest obstacle, if I may say so, is balls! :o Once you find those and lose your fear of failure, the rest is easy, more or less. ;D
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Well said! :mrgreen:
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Having the "tackle" to take on something this good is one thing, but I'll just stand up here and clearly declare that I do know my limitations... ;)
"REFINS-R-US", and the odd bit of tweaking - no matter how much I have appalled some folks around here... ;D
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if I may say so, is balls!
very true, a level of wood working competance is involved as well as having all those cool tools you have collected, then learning how to use them- I just used the hand held belt sander!
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Having the "tackle" to take on something this good is one thing, but I'll just stand up here and clearly declare that I do know my limitations... ;)
"REFINS-R-US", and the odd bit of tweaking - no matter how much I have appalled some folks around here... ;D
I hear ya Kenny, but that's how I got addicted to this............ :P
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very true, a level of wood working competance is involved as well as having all those cool tools you have collected, then learning how to use them- I just used the hand held belt sander!
A hand held belt sander!?! I never thought of that, I'll have to get one! ;D Actually, it really does help to have a good stable of tools when one isn't all that handy with chisels and similar tools. I couldn't do what I do without my band saw, jointer, planer and drum sander. It would take me forever without them!
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my motto is measure twice, cut once, buy more wood. really though, i'm always impressed with the quality of your work and enjoy watching your projects unfold.
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Doc... I have an addictive personality, which is disfunctional at the best of times, not to mention tangential... remember what I did to my RD...! not to mention a soupcon of "lack of time"...
At least she still works... albeit with a little help from my friends... ;D
Keep up the good work...!
Did I say time...? oops... dead again... :o
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my motto is measure twice, cut once, buy more wood.
My dad - an engineer in buildings & structures and a long-time woodworker - had a different phrase that I'll always remember:
"No matter how many times you cut it off, it's still too short." :P
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My dad - an engineer in buildings & structures and a long-time woodworker - had a different phrase that I'll always remember:
"No matter how many times you cut it off, it's still too short." :P
Your Dad was a wise woodworker!
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And I have proven the accuracy of his statement by experiential research.
Usually to the detriment of my bank account.
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I could discuss the horrors of shaving the fin on my RD, if you wish to be offended... :o
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Great project, Doc!
I can't wait to see the overall look with the double cat's eyes and the paddle headstock.
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I could discuss the horrors of shaving the fin on my RD, if you wish to be offended... :o
I can just imagine!!!
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Great project, Doc!
I can't wait to see the overall look with the double cat's eyes and the paddle headstock.
I think it's gonna be nice.
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This just works for me... I just had a problem with the "hard" edge...
(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/RD%20Artist/feb105.jpg)
a regular fine tooth saw, a "workmate", a steady hand, and a lot of perspiration, + a little "bricking"...
Already discussed but whatever...
I am sworn to NOT modify to excess any further... ;D
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OK Kenny. that's not too bad! At least it makes sense. I have a RIC 4003 with the same sharp edge but fortunately it never seems to bother my arm when playing. your mod turned out good.
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Kenny, I'm sure that's a very very comfortable bass to play. Doc is right, it does make sense. It might not look specially appealing and probably not a feature that's going to make it to a production instrument at Gibson or otherwise, but it does make perfect sense.
Maybe if you get to be a famous player or that bass lands on the hands of some future-to-be-rockstar-legend it would one day become a custom signature model? That makes sense too, doesn't it?
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Good points Daniel! We all want to be rockstars, don't we? ;D Welcome to our forum too!
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Thanks, Doc. Glad to have joined this forum, people around here seems very cool and relaxed, not so much like in other forums where tension starts to develop when the thread reaches so little as 3 replys.
BTW Doc, I've been checking older threads and I see you gotta a lot of cool projects going on. And I must admit that I feel a little envy that you can do whatever you want, whenever you want because these are your own projects and you don't have to worry about customers calling every day to ask how theirs guitars are coming out and changing theirs minds about pretty much every little detail of the build.
You sir, have quite a lot of fun!
Oh well, I'm still young and relatively new to this luthiery business. I'll get there someday, when people would be buying guitars that I build wheter then me building guitars people want.
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And another welcome... everybodies fairly chilled round here...
Daniel, as I hit 50 in a few weeks my days of desiring "Rockstardom" are diminishing... Might be happy with a desire for people requesting a signature on a future publication or fifty...!
As a reference, the front profile of the RD has not changed a bit but she is comfortable to play...
(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/RD%20Artist/20090307041.jpg)
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Kenny, your RD looks pretty sweet full frontal. If it wasn't for the unfinished look of the contour, I wouldn't be able to tell it was modded.
Oh, and the strap wraping from the front is a nice idea, it looks like it helps to counter the neck-heavyness, right?
Hey, Doc! No news on the development? New pics?
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New pics tomorrow, I added another 1/8" of mahogany so I can do some carving.........
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Daniel - she's booked for one of my custom refins, but I'm sworn to secrecy on this point due to the disgusdting finish on my custom "Tequilabird", but you'll have to do your research to find out why.. :mrgreen:
Either that or wait for the posting on her refin work..
And now back to the good Doctor... ;)
Ps the strap helps, and with my 'bird...
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Here's the update. I added another 1/8" piece of mahogany under the current top so I'd have some more depth for carving the tailpiece ramp. Turned out well. I got a piece of mahogany from a seller who has Martin guitar rejects. I really only need it for the edges and center sound block, so I glued it down as one piece and will carve it away with my router. No seams along the edges this way!
Aren't those clamp marks a pain in the butt!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2437.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2438.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2440.jpg)
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Looking good, Doc!
But wait... did I get it right? That's a sub-top going under the top. The one that has the double cat's eye already cut is going to be glue on top of this right? Or did I miss something here?
Aren't those clamp marks a pain in the butt!
You're joking right? You're not getting clamp marks every time you do some glueing, right?
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Yep, this will be under the top piece with the cateye holes cut already. Like this.........
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2439.jpg)
And yes, I do get clamp marks just about every time I glue something except maple. Wish it were a joke!
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Doc! You need to be using cauls under the clamps. Left over off-cuts wood of any shape would do.
Cauls actually distribute the force from the clamps througout their area, so you can put even more tension on the clamp and it won't get the wood marked.
Thinkg about it: if you take a hammer and tap a mahogany board with it, you definitely leave a mark. Now take a little piece of wood of about 2 by 2 and 1 inch thick, place it over the board and swing the hammer on it and I'm sure it's not going to leave any marks to show.
Then how about the fingerboard? How did you glue that to the neck without leaving any marks?
(http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww186/daniel_japeta/clamping.jpg)
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I know I should be using cauls. In this case, I used spring clamps (fast and easy) and there wasn't room for cauls. I know I shouldn't be so lazy!
I glued the finger board with the same clamps, but it was before I sanded it to a 12" radius, so it didn't matter in that case. The radiusing took the marks right off. BTW, I'm a self taught tinkerer and don't always follow the rules when I should! No formal luthier training here! 8)
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I don't think there's any real rules to follow, you should do whatever it works for you and get the job done. As long as it doesn't mean to give you even more work down the road to get rid of the clamp marks, right?
As for myself, I just got used to using cauls everytime I glue something, even if it's something that's not going to show later or will be sanded off.
But I see your point, Doc. To each his own.
Oh, boy... now I feel like a dork trying to "teach" the doctor...
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HOLY CLAMPS Fatman!!!! Thems a bunch o' clamps!! I thought I had a collection ! :mrgreen:
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Hey Daniel, no offense taken, your picture and description will be helpful for anyone doing extensive clamping tasks for the first time. Since the new piece on this project will be under the top, I knew they wouldn't show, so no big deal.
As always, I learn from everything posted here anyway, so no harm done. You should always feel free to teach in this part of the forum. That was my intent in starting this subforum. Besides, I'm a doctor of philosophy, not luthiery! ;D
I don't think there's any real rules to follow, you should do whatever it works for you and get the job done. As long as it doesn't mean to give you even more work down the road to get rid of the clamp marks, right?
As for myself, I just got used to using cauls everytime I glue something, even if it's something that's not going to show later or will be sanded off.
But I see your point, Doc. To each his own.
Oh, boy... now I feel like a dork trying to "teach" the doctor...
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I am suffering from unresolved clamp envy. :sad:
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You can never have too many clamps.
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I am suffering from unresolved clamp envy. :sad:
My clamps are bigger ;D ;D
Dave's right, you can never have too many :)
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Lovely set of clamps :o
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Crikey! Look at the clamps on that 'un!
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Besides, I'm a doctor of philosophy, not luthiery! ;D
But you're a doctor nonetheless. And that's far more than I'll ever be, so I should put myself in my place and let you do your work, which is turning out great!
HOLY CLAMPS Fatman!!!! Thems a bunch o' clamps!! I thought I had a collection ! :mrgreen:
C'mon guys! That's just a fraction of my collection. And because we run a collective workshop (myself and two other friends), sometimes there's just not enough.
Besides, I'm way down here in south-america so we can't really buy good clamps, these are dirty cheap, low quality clamps. I think at least a forth of the total has some functionality issue.
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Thanks for your thoughts Daniel. Here in the forum we're all on equal footing when it comes to our love of basses, building and repairing.
I'm still collecting clamps and have a ways to go!
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Here she is all routed out and ready for the top to go on later.............I love my routers. I use them for all cutting and trimming. And to think just a little over 2 years ago I didn't own one!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2441.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2442.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2446.jpg)
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Looking good! I can't wait to hear a soundclip.
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Doc, are you going to finish it natural? Ill have to find the part where you did the binding in the cat eyes. I have a project in mind and that will look nice for my sound hole idea.M
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Doc, are you going to finish it natural? Ill have to find the part where you did the binding in the cat eyes. I have a project in mind and that will look nice for my sound hole idea.M
I've been thinking about a cherry burst or an all amber finish. Don't think I'll do a natural finish. I 'd like some more color on it.
The holes were easier than I imagined. I used very thick Maxi-Cure CA which is nice cuz it doesn't run so much and it dries in 15-20 sec.
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Gotta make sure you use the loo prior to usin that stuff!!!!! :mrgreen:
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Attached the neck!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2451.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2456.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2454.jpg)
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Now you're gettin' serious!
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Now you're gettin' serious!
Yep, I'll glue the top on and fix a few little things this week. I drilled the control holes and rounded the edge of the top yesterday.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2449.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2450.jpg)
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How were you planning on doing the massive top contours?
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How were you planning on doing the massive top contours?
By hand (started already) and not so massive. Since the top is only 3/16" thick, It will be subtle and shallow. No big deal. The next time I make one of these, and I will make another, I'll use a 3/8" top and carve it deeper.
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i think you are more than ready to go public. any original designs in the future.
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i think you are more than ready to go public. any original designs in the future.
Thanks! To be honest, I've given some thought to designing something of my own, but haven't come up with anything just yet. I'm pretty happy reinventing some things like the 4005 that no longer are produced. Maybe I can come up with something.
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How were you planning on doing the massive top contours?
I think you're talking about the 'normal' 4005 with only bindings at the back. I gave the measurements of my 4005WB which has bindings on the back and front.
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I think you're talking about the 'normal' 4005 with only bindings at the back. I gave the measurements of my 4005WB which has bindings on the back and front.
Yeah, I decided to do the rounded over top instead of the double bound body.
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Well, I can't believe it, but I've actually got the neck and body completed except for final trimming and sanding. Man, is it neat to be able to hold the whole thing in your hands. My second scratch build!
Did someone say clamps?
No one will ever mistake this thing for a genuine 4005. TV Jones pickups, Gretsch bridge (although I have a 60's Mosrite I might try, we'll see), non-Ric tailpiece, no pickguard, 2 f-holes, etc.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2459.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2462.jpg)
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Nice! Double cat's eyes are so sweet...
Two volumes, no switch?
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Yep, 2 volumes, no switch.
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Man that looks so cool ! :o
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I'm impressed!
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Thanks guys! I will start grain filling this weekend.
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Beautful...
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I didnt want to pipe in with just another pat on the back Doc but I cant help myself. Fantastic watching this come together.
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I didnt want to pipe in with just another pat on the back Doc but I cant help myself. Fantastic watching this come together.
No need to pat me, my self-esteem is fine. :) I just like to share the progress and chat about the process. Once a teacher, always a teacher! :P
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Here she is, all sanded and degreased with Naptha. Grain filling the top is next then we'll decide on the finish! ;D
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2486.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2487.jpg)
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You know me, I vote natural. That IS awesome!!!!!
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Another vote for natural.
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I like natural or a slight amber tint.
You know tobacco burst would be really cool as would cherry red dye ( Gibsonize it)
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Nice grain....a transparent finish with some tint - amber, red, blue, green - would be very cool. And don't discount the loveliness of a 'burst.....speaking of which....
Here are front and back shots of my old Univox for inspiration:
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/Univoxback.jpg)
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/Univoxbodyangledoutside.jpg)
Larger shots at:
http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/?start=all
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Sure is purdy ! Natural amber tint gets my vote.
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My luthier Brian did a bass recently with a Ric style body that had the Allen Woody sig style colours.
That looked beautiful.
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OK< this weekend I'm taking some of the mahogany scraps from the top and do some tests. I'll post 'em later.
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Make a poll, everyone loves to vote!
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Make a poll, everyone loves to vote!
OK, I'll try that.
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:mrgreen:
OK, I'll try that.
Nice Vox burst,BTW!........tempting ,eh Doc?......what to do!
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Natural mahogany looks sweet ! ;) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/100_1695.jpg)
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Nat maho is beautiful! GOT that is a looker & those Model G's are sick pups,BTW!
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I love natural too, but this one begs for a little tint on it me thinks!
Got my first grain filler in this morning, I'll do another tomorrow morning.
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I'm waiting for the perfect bass for my unused Model G!
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Nat maho is beautiful! GOT that is a looker & those Model G's are sick pups,BTW!
I love model Gs been a fan ever since I built the Mahogany Fenderbird back in '82. My love affair for these pups is well documented. My latest variation on the theme My Model G powered NR, stand back is all I have to say (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/2237659070083345702mPBPbc_ph.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/IMG_4323.jpg)
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Not to totaly hijack the thread but here is my '76 Explorer and myself at a gig I think Feb '77. My first Dimarzio mod. (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/scottjade11.jpg)
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diggin' the rock star pants.
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diggin' the rock star pants.
I'll be 50 at the end of the month :o I can't believe I'm still walking around in leather pants ! When my dad was 50 he was sitting in front of the TV smoking ciggies most of his spare time..............................it was sad. I just got back from a 15 mile cycling ride. Don't want to end up like my Dad, luckely I never smoked. I have a indentical twin brother who smokes a lot........................ he looks 20 years older than me.
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Great attitude Scott.
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Yep, the cigs will age you fast and will eventually kill you. My brother smokes and we just can seem to get him off of the damn things.
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man i've been trying to quit for so long....it's hard.!
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Awesome, Doc!
My vote goes for a subtle brown burst around the edges fading to the natural mahogany color. I think it might take a bit of that Ric walnut look.
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I have a indentical twin brother
Wow, you learn new things every day! Is he a musician too?
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He was a awsome drummer back in the day but he gave it up :sad: Think a solid Keith Moon
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Drag him out of retirement, Scott... our drummer did not gig for 21 years but he's not played better than he does today...
I have been off the weed for 16 years now, or therabouts...
The idea of a "solid" KM is kinda cool... 8)
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Wow, I didn't know that either! Smoking contributed to the death of my father and my stepfather. I don't recommend it for anyone.
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Well now that we have completley hijacked this thread. It is a wonder I never smoked. My mother my father and all their post WWII friends did smoke (like Detroit). No judgment that's just the way it was. I tried once, I remember begging my folks to let me try one, They did ! I must have been around 8 years old I took a few puffs and got so very sick. I never had a interest again. Like I said no judgment just very lucky not to have picked it up. My wife smoked when we met, I just accepted it. Then her Aunt died from the habit, she stopped cold turkey that was 18 years ago, I can't imagine how hard that was for her.
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Straight off... I AM NOT ANTI SMOKING or SMOKER...
I worked on bar equipment for 21 years, but not for the last 5 years - it is kinda strange to have a "blanket ban" on smoking in bars and businesses right across the UK... but the difference is astounding... one of the only places they allow smoking is in Parliament, you know... "do as I say, not do as I do..."
I think the biggest thing I noticed once I stopped was the smell... I don't think a smoker can understand how bad they smell until they stop... sorry to those that do, but you do... :puke:
Biggest helper I can give to those that do and want to stop, but can't, is this...
Add up the cost daily/weekly/monthly/yearly... now think of what you could buy with what you could potentially save... that personal treat, that holiday, that bass... think about it...
Also, never try to remember when you stopped... some people can tell you the day/week/month/second when they stopped... if you "think" about it. it still has you...
Also... I will always be a smoker... I'm just not smoking at the moment... that is pretty much the same for any form of addiction, and for any former addict... :sad:
Now if this sparks something maybe Dave can peel this off and put it in the (smoke free?) cafe...
If not. it's back to you, Doc...
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I can't separate it. Let's give the thread back to Doc, no reason you can't start a new thread up top.
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OK Dave, I'll step back in, here's an update: grain filling is finished. I'm still testing some colors, will post some samples later this week.
No problem with digressing a little. It's interesting to hear about everyone's experiences. I'll always come back to the topic at hand.
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Here's a simple question re finishes and top coverings... the dubious/wonderful colour scheme on my Peter Cook was home done using car colours and lacquer to finish... that has lasted 25 years so far... I believe the present body deterioration and cracking is from below the present paintwork, which is why I'll be going back to the wood... I will not be able to afford pro finishing, so any advice and recommended products for the amateur...?
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Here's a simple question re finishes and top coverings... the dubious/wonderful colour scheme on my Peter Cook was home done using car colours and lacquer to finish... that has lasted 25 years so far... I believe the present body deterioration and cracking is from below the present paintwork, which is why I'll be going back to the wood... I will not be able to afford pro finishing, so any advice and recommended products for the amateur...?
Hey Kenny, there are a lot of ways to finish a bass. I've used auto paint, hand rubbed oils and nitro thus far. All work great depending on the look and feel you're going for. For solid colors, the auto colors offer a lot of choices and are cheap as well as easily obtained.
After you strip it, you'll start to see what might work. If the wood requires repair, often a solid color is best to hide the flaws. If not, you have many more choices. Do I remember you saying you're in Great Britain? That will determine what's available to you as well.
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GB, near London, Doc...
I've heard mention of "nitro" but never heard of it before joining here... is this a "finish" or a "product"...?
The lower body "fin" has some "damage" (guilty as charged, m'Lord) problems which I may need to resolve by an "insert" (rout and cut to fit for mounting the pots/switch) or a new section of wood to make the whole front "level" with the through neck (which is a 3 piece)...
Just had the new shed delivered yesterday so lots to do and then I can work... the joys of concrete plinths... :sad:
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Nitro = nitrocellulose lacquer
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GB, near London, Doc...
I've heard mention of "nitro" but never heard of it before joining here... is this a "finish" or a "product"...?
The lower body "fin" has some "damage" (guilty as charged, m'Lord) problems which I may need to resolve by an "insert" (rout and cut to fit for mounting the pots/switch) or a new section of wood to make the whole front "level" with the through neck (which is a 3 piece)...
Just had the new shed delivered yesterday so lots to do and then I can work... the joys of concrete plinths... :sad:
plinth??/pl?n?/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [plinth] Show IPA
–noun Architecture. 1. a slablike member beneath the base of a column or pier.
2. a square base or a lower block, as of a pedestal.
3. Also called plinth course. a projecting course of stones at the base of a wall; earth table.
4. (in joinery) a flat member at the bottom of an architrave, dado, baseboard, or the like.
So what is a "plinth" in American "english" - your foundation ?
It just amazes me at what you English have done to the language ;D
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Okay, let's get back to Bill's project. At least I've now figured out splitting off parts of large threads, but let's just start other threads as necessary.
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No problem. If Kenny would start a finishing thread, I'd be happy to jump into that with him.
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No worries there... I'll post that when the time comes - the "big strip" will be first... :o
Gonna be a bit experimental with both the Peter Cook and the RDA... but in a good way, honest...!
Foundation it is, Buzz... my wife has just reminded me that I should be pricing it up... oops...
Ta for the Nitro, dave...
So Doc, hows it hangin'...? I believe you were doing some test finish samples...?
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You are a mind reader Kenny! I'm reading this as I garb my camera to take some pics outside in natural light. Will be back later this morning.
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OK, here are some samples. Here are the conditions:
1. I didn't have time to spray S&S first, so the samples are on raw wood, but you get the idea.
2. Wood samples are, from left to right: maple, spruce, mahogany
3. Tint samples are: 1 - Stew-Mac cherry tint; 2 - RR Amber from sunburst kit; 3 - RR Fender neck amber
I think the back and neck are going to be solid cherry, but haven't decided on the top yet!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Finishing%20stuff/cherrysample.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Finishing%20stuff/burstambersample.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Finishing%20stuff/neckambersample.jpg)
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The front of her is quite dark, so cherry will make her darker... but then again, my T'bird used to be cherry and I believe she is mahogany and she looked pretty good before I got loose...
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Me likes the neck Amber from
RR. Maybe a burst with the red,but that may be tricky. i think it would be difficult to make suttle.
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I like the second set.
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I like the colors above - for some reason the Fender neck amber keeps catching my eye. How about shooting a test with a black > cherry > amber burst?
This bass is painted with the Stew-Mac Cherry tint added to clear lacquer, over a silver metallic base. (All acrylic lacquer.) The first coat of cheery scared me - it was PINK! But once I had three or four coats of cherry on it, the color deepened nicely.
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/P-Jbassfull.jpg)
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/P-J_bass_controls.jpg)
The black burst is black tint added to clear lacquer.
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fwiw, I like sample 2 as well but I'm biased towards natural finishes.
pilgrim, I really like that bass!
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I like the naturals as well. I've never been a fan of the red/black burst, but that one is exceptional Al. I think I'll probably do the amber all over (the darker golden one, the neck amber is just a little too yellow for me) and then think about bursting it or not after I see the amber effect.
BTW, S&S was laid down yesterday, so my colors go on next, but I've got work for the next couple evening, so I won't get to it for a few days.
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pilgrim, I really like that bass!
Thanks, and also thanks for your comment, Bill. That bass was a test platform - bought cheap, defretted (the lines are styrene plastic), and with DiMarzio pickups added, and a nice Guild bridge I found on Ebay. The two controls are set up stack-knob style with the outer ring for tone and the center knob for volume.
It taught me one advantage of black burst on the edges...if you sand JUST a little too deeply, a black magic marker can cover a certain amount of..........color variation.
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Another amateurs question... S&S...?
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Sand & Sealer - a very high solids leveler and filler. Either brush or spray - dries very fast and sands easily. This will fill minor imperfections and leave you with a very smooth base for the balance of the finish process.
You might like this board: http://www.reranch.com/reranch/ It's a great place for finishing info.
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Thanks, and also thanks for your comment, Bill. That bass was a test platform - bought cheap, defretted (the lines are styrene plastic), and with DiMarzio pickups added, and a nice Guild bridge I found on Ebay. The two controls are set up stack-knob style with the outer ring for tone and the center knob for volume.
It taught me one advantage of black burst on the edges...if you sand JUST a little too deeply, a black magic marker can cover a certain amount of..........color variation.
No problem Al. I do think that bass looks great. Nice job.
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Sand & Sealer - a very high solids leveler and filler. Either brush or spray - dries very fast and sands easily. This will fill minor imperfections and leave you with a very smooth base for the balance of the finish process.
You might like this board: http://www.reranch.com/reranch/ It's a great place for finishing info.
Thanks for jumping in here! I've been out late the past few nights! Good suggestions, the Reranch forum has tons of stuff for refinishing and it's my other hang out. Didn't even think of it the other night!!!
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Buzz and Doc... thanks for that... already chased that link too and have saved, but not had time to do the trawling through... off work Friday to start on the shed, and then the refin...
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Sounds good! Happy building!
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Doc... has she stalled...?
Don't tell me you have Stewart's Syndrome ("why do one thing at a time when you can have at least 3 or 4 dozen projects, minimum, on the go at the same time...") ;)
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Actually, I put 3 coats of sand and sealer on it, sprayed an amber tint and it looked like crap! so, on Sunday, I stripped it back to bare wood!!!! :P I'm out of town right now at a conference, so this weekend, the top will get a red mahogany stain and the rest will be done with Tru Oil hand rubbed finish. I'll post my progress this weekend.
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Update: I stained the top and put my first coat of TruOil on it and it looks great. I'll post some pics tonight. I'm going to rub the finish with steel wool and put another coat on tonight. I'll probably do 5-6 coats before I'm finished. Then the hardware!!!
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pics pics pics !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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pics pics pics !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe today! My wife had me cleaning out our shed last night and totally kept me out of the shop! I think she did it on purpose! ;) I hate summer, some days!!! 8)
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OK, here you go. First coat of TruOil. I'm gonna buff with steel wool and do another coat today and tomorrow and maybe Sunday. Then we'll see how she looks. Check out my date stamp on the back of the headstock! 8)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2557.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2562.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2563.jpg)
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AAAAAARRRGGGGHHHHHHHH..... the SH*D word...
Very nice... 8)
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I hate to say it, but the top looks so cool and deep, it makes the back look tame. I'm a sucker for mahogany with some visual action going on. Good luck!
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Sheds - the great nemesis of bass players.
The evidence is all there, now I SEE IT!!!!!!! :o
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Bill that is just plain HOT. :o
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AAAAAARRRGGGGHHHHHHHH..... the SH*D word...
Very nice... 8)
Out damn shed!
Thanks Kenny!
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Thanks guys. I can't wait to slap the hardware on! ;D
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Lookin' good so far.
Is that a s/n stamp with changeable numbers, or just a one-off for this bass?
100 years from now vintage collectors will want a clear guide to your numbering system. ;)
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Lookin' good so far.
Is that a s/n stamp with changeable numbers, or just a one-off for this bass?
100 years from now vintage collectors will want a clear guide to your numbering system. ;)
Ha, ha! My system is just the year for now! Maybe I'll add a serial number on the next one! ;)
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That looks rediculously AWSOME!!I got a letter & number punch set about a year back. Trust me practice on scrap to get used to line up and correct "tap" with hammer
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/shadowcastaz/IMGP0955.jpg)
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That looks rediculously AWSOME!!I got a letter & number punch set about a year back. Trust me practice on scrap to get used to line up and correct "tap" with hammer
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/shadowcastaz/IMGP0955.jpg)
I did practice a little before I did mine. Not a big deal really, it turned out as I expected.
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I "re-positioned" my RD's serial number with 2" brands way back in 1982...
(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/RD%20Artist/feb110.jpg)
I'm all better now... ;D
Shed's coming along fine, even if a "Metric" equivalent robbed me of twelve square foot of floor space... :o but I'll save the pics for when I start work on my Peter Cook (dark evil cackleing laughter, combined with clanking chains descending down a winding staircase to a dark place you would not send your worst enemy...)
Anyway Doc, she's coming along fine, what's next on the agenda...?
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Holy crap, that is one big serial number!!! :o
Actually, one more time, I took the TruOil off as it was going on really uneven and sanding/steel wool didn't help the situation, so I stripped her again and switched to Danish Oil, my favorite next to tung oil. It looks even better now! A couple more coats and I'll slap the hardware on and post some more pics.
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the next project is actually one I'm working on simultaneously. the Guild M-85 is close to finishing with nitro. I've got to install the frets, drill the tuner holes and a few others before I spray. It's coming along nicely too!
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Cool Ill need some pointers on the neck Ive got one in the wings......again :mrgreen:
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Cool Ill need some pointers on the neck Ive got one in the wings......again :mrgreen:
Any time Mike, just let me know if I can help............
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Ok, she's all finished except for some fine tuning. I ended up using Danish Oil for a satin "used" look. She sounds great! I recommend the TV Jones pups! A nice clear hollow sound with no mud!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2587.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2588.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2589.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Ric%20project/100_2591.jpg)
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Just beautiful Bill.
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Nothing like scanning the threads and coming across something that just puts a smile on your dial.
Lovely job Doc.
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Beautiful! Lots of hard work, but it's all worth it when you see how it comes together. :thumbsup:
I'll bet it sounds better than a 4005 too.
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Wow, great! Very, very nice! I'm curious how Rickenbacker fans will react!
I reviewed a Gretsch bass with TV Joneses and that was sounding so big, wide and great! A couple of weeks ago I saw a bass player with an old Aria Jazz Bass with two TV Joneses in it and it was the best sounding bass I heard in ages.
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wow, that's really nice; great job!
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Thanks guys! Yeah, after all I've heard about the 4005 pups, I'm sure this thing would kick its butt! :P I've use various TV pups and I've always been really happy with every model. Very clean and clear, full/round sounds for sure.
I gotta finish the nut and final adjustments. I'm always thrilled when the electronics work right out of the gate! I hate having to redo wiring on hollow bodies!!! :sad:
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Stunning bass and excellent job!
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It's as much a work of art as it is a bass. Loverly! ;D
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nice bassguitar!
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Awesome, Doc!
It looks really unique with the double cat's eye and the paddle head. And the TV Jones pickups are quite cool looking as well.
And the different sized inlays are looking great too. I love the idea.
Congrats!
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... An' at the end of round nine, the Doc's looking fine, he jus' gone took that wood an' made sumfin' good... 8)
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INCREDIBLE, Bill!!!!!!!!! Wow!!!!!! that is a beautiful piece of art!!!!!
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Im speachless!!! That is very fine piece of woodworking! Also a fine axe! Hardware & all are perfect. What did you use fro the Tail & bridge . Gretsch?
Im on the TV Jones for my guild semi project. I think its a single , I have to find it . :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
BTW Its great to get up & go to work in the AM. Nicest group of folks I ever worked with . Employee ownership has some very real merits as a work environment.
Thanx again for all you well wishs & encouragement . This site rocks.M
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Wow! :toast:
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Thanks guys, she plays and sounds great. I wish I had designed the original!!!
Good eye there Mike. I used an old original Mosrtie bass tail piece from a 1968 I parted out. The bridge is new Gretsch sitting on a floating riser made of solid rosewood. Works great for this application.
I'm so happy work is going well. Keep it up!!! ;D
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Congrats to Mike and Bill! That's a beautiful bass. And Mike, I'm glad your job is going well. It's always a great relief to get back to work!
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A special thanks goes out to Chris P. for his tracing and measurements. They were invaluabe to getting this project off the ground! I owe you one buddy! :toast:
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It's nice to know that there was at least one good thing to come out of your Mosrite adventures.
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Yep, I got the bridge too!
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Well done Doc! ;D
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Well done Doc! ;D
Thanks! She sounds sweet too! I'm gonna put TI rounds on her this morning. As much as I lveo TI flats, I'm liking the round wound ring through the Jones pups. The test strings were from an old p bass from 4 years ago!
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I have a couple observations regarding this bass. The hollow body with a solid block down the center sounds very good. The pickups, without tone controls, sound fantastic. Clean and clear, very crisp and the notes are so distinct. I wired the volume controls like a jazz bass so each one controls their respective pup individually. Being able to dial in as much, or little, of the neck or bridge pup is really nice too. So far, I'm playing it with the neck pup full on and the bridge just up 1/4 turn. I'm looking forward to actually playing this with the band.
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One other note. I put Hipshot tuners on this one for a change of pace since they have a Ric-style model with short stems and smaller ferrule holes. Not only do they fit nice and look good, they are the smoothest and easiest tuners I've seen in a long time. I highly recommend them. You can literally turn them with one finger, I've never seen anything like it! I also have a friend who can get them at 30% off!
(http://guitarpartsresource.com/HB5chr.jpg)
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I have a set slated for my starfire II. They are real nice quality.Nice folks at the company too. In your neck of the woods ,eh doc?
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Are those Ultra Lights or regular weight Hipshots?
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I bet they are regular weight .
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I have a set slated for my starfire II. They are real nice quality.Nice folks at the company too. In your neck of the woods ,eh doc?
They are perfect on the Gibson or Guild headstock. Oh my gosh! I didn't realize they were in the Finger Lakes, just south of me! Wow, small world, no?!?
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Are those Ultra Lights or regular weight Hipshots?
They are regular weight, but they are sooooooo nice. I do have some of the light weights on a TB and they are super as well. I used to use Schaller all of the time, but I love the compactness of the short stems and smaller ferrule holes.
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I smell road trip !! :mrgreen:Company store maybe ?!!
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I smell road trip !! :mrgreen:Company store maybe ?!!
Hey, you never know! I'd love to see their facility and I do get down that way periodically!
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Just saw this on a Tremolo Site I belong to-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/dsc00694x.jpg)
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Wow, very cool. Someon else is just as crazy as I am! That's really beautiful! I'm not a big tremolo fan, but that bass is killer.
Just saw this on a Tremolo Site I belong to-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/dsc00694x.jpg)
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Hey, where is that site? Are there more pics? I'd love to see the rest of that bass.
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No offense to that builder, but with that big heavy clunky looking trem I'll bet it wouldn't sound good to my ears.
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I was thinking the same thing Dave. I've never cared for trems on basses for looks or sound. I noticed too the neck heel is pretty wide and not near what an original 4005 had. Mine's about 2.25" and it has access all the way to the top fret, unreal! Very easy to play with short fingers. When I retire, I'm thinking of building some custom basses with the same neck set up. I love the look and ease of playing. ;)
No offense to that builder, but with that big heavy clunky looking trem I'll bet it wouldn't sound good to my ears.
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Hey, where is that site? Are there more pics? I'd love to see the rest of that bass.
the bass
http://basstremfanatics.forumotion.net/tell-us-about-you-f2/another-new-person-t77.htm
The forum
http://basstremfanatics.forumotion.net/forum.htm
You guys might remember Eric from the old Pit? He was a long time Pit member. He has always been a Kahler user / abuser (like myself) and ran the Kahler Forum for a while. Kahler closed the forum, so Eric started his own place for the handful of open minded bass players. There are only 19 registered abusers!
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Open minded? No, I won't go there. ;D
Yes, I remember Eric.
Doesn't matter that there are only 19 users as long as you have something in common to discuss.
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Hey, we're open minded as long as you agree with us! ;)
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John I'm open minded about you using it, just quite closed minded if I have to. ;)
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Really, my problem is I'm a minimalist. I don't care for or use tone controls, one pickup is typically enought for me, I don't care for pre amps, power batteries or fancy circuits in my basses and "less is more" in my little self-centered world! I also don't play anything that would fit with a trem as far as I know. But, that's not to say is doesn;t have a place in the bass world because it does. Just as much as a 5 or 8-stringer does. Just a matter of taste!
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Who needs tremolo when you can fretlessalo... ;D